Dundee defender Lee Ashcroft doesn’t have to look back too far to remember a sharp lesson in how difficult cup football is.
Regardless of the divisions teams are in prior to the one-off tie, matches are never as easy on the pitch as they look on paper insists the big defender.
The Dark Blues welcome an Airdrieonians side to Dens Park today as firm favourites with the visitors lying in sixth spot in League One.
Ashcroft, though, was part of the Dundee team who were moments away from suffering a Scottish Cup embarrassment just two years ago.
It was deep into stoppage time before Jonathan Afolabi rescued the Dark Blues from home defeat to then-Lowland League side Bonnyrigg Rose.
In extra-time, the hosts fell behind to another penalty before Ashcroft himself levelled things at 2-2 before Osman Sow spared dark blue blushes with a winner after 112 minutes.
‘Expected to dominate’
With that in mind, Ashcroft has warned his team-mates not to take anything lightly this afternoon.
“I have been in games when it has been tough, particularly against Bonnyrigg at Dens,” he said.
“So if you don’t approach it correctly or you aren’t at it, these teams can make it difficult for you.
“With Dunfermline I went up to Buckie Thistle and I think we were 4-1 up then it was 4-3 and they were all over us.
“We were expected to dominate but these games are a lot harder than you think.
“I knew straight away when I saw the draw that it was going to be a tough game.
“There are a few boys that I have played with in that team. Rhys McCabe is the manager and I played with him at Dunfermline along with Callum Fordyce and Callum Smith.
“I know their qualities and I know they are going to come and try to cause an upset.
“So we really need to be at it.”
‘He is just a weird guy’
Meanwhile, Ashcroft has come in for some stick from team-mates this season.
Left-back Jordan Marshall insisted he’d prefer not to share a room with Ashcroft for their trip to Welsh side TNS in September, joking: “The one person I don’t want is big Ashy (Lee Ashcroft).
“He always seems to have his clothes off for some reason.
“He is just a weird guy, to be fair!”
And one of Ashcroft’s car pool group, Jordan McGhee, added to that last month.
He said: “Lee is a great guy but he does have that weird side to him that not many people know about until you share a dressing-room and a car with him.”
So it’s time for Ashcroft to have his say.
‘Just who I am’
Laughing, he responded: “I think a bit weird is probably generous, to be honest!
“I think I am full-on weird.
“I am just full of carry-on in the changing-room and I have always been like that.
“My dad played junior football and he had a bit of a reputation so I don’t know if I just got it from him.
“What happens in the changing-room is supposed to stay in the changing-room but obviously that’s not the case anymore.
“As for being naked all the time, it is just natural, it’s just me and who I am.
“I wouldn’t be naked walking about everywhere but in the changing-room I am quite free!”
Tickets for today’s cup clash with Airdrieonians cost £15 with concessions £5 and U/12s just £2 when bought with an adult ticket.
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